SS CH107

Two days later, Ye Fusheng’s group finally arrived at Wenchang Mountain.

Duanheng had already arranged for disciples to secretly escort the fake monk back to the Taishang Palace. To outsiders, he merely claimed that the two disciples had suffered from acclimatization issues and were temporarily left behind to rest, urging the group to hurry so as not to delay the assembly’s schedule.

Hengyuan offered no comments on the matter, and even the somewhat arrogant Hengming didn’t interfere with the Taishang Palace’s internal affairs. Once the group was on the road, Duanheng conversed casually with the two monks about the various arrangements for the martial arts assembly, occasionally inquiring about the recent situations of Abbot Sejian and Zen Master Sekong to show concern. Watching from behind, Ye Fusheng felt that this old man possessed quite a talent for espionage.

Whether they were acting or being genuine, the two monks answered Duanheng’s questions flawlessly. Hengyuan, who appeared gentle, was especially adept at inadvertently steering away from crucial topics. After their entire conversation, even with Ye Fusheng’s sharp hearing, he couldn’t catch any obvious flaws.

Along the journey, Ye Fusheng casually observed his surroundings, his gaze occasionally sweeping over Hengyuan before darting away to look at the grass, trees, dirt, and stones by the roadside just before the young monk could turn his head.

The closer they got to Wenchang Mountain, the more people they encountered along the way. Aside from the diverse crowds swarming in for the martial arts assembly, commoners from nearby villages and towns had also set up roadside stalls selling tea and food, hoping to earn a few meager coins from these passing Jianghu folks to supplement their families’ livelihoods.

The people at the foot of the mountain were mostly from small gangs here to watch the spectacle. Those truly intending to participate in the assembly had either already entered the mountain gates or were currently on the mountain path heading toward Wuxiang Temple.

Hengming and Hengyuan led the Taishang Palace group through the main gate. Several guest-greeting monks stood at the entrance, methodically receiving members of various sects and directing them inside. Seeing the two monks arrive, an old monk approached, pressed his palms together in greeting, and first paid his respects to Elder Duanheng before addressing Hengming and Hengyuan. “Shixiong, the Abbot has instructed that upon your return to the temple, you are to go see him immediately.”

Hengming nodded, while Hengyuan pressed his palms together and smiled. “Then I ask Shidi to please entertain our esteemed guests in our stead.”

Although he and Hengming were young, they had entered the temple earlier. The old monk replied, “It is our duty. Please go ahead, Shixiong.”

After the two departed, the old monk pressed his palms together, chanted the Buddha’s name, and said, “Elder Duanheng and fellow Daoists, please follow me to settle in the left wing first.”

This martial arts assembly was a massive event. To say the temple was overflowing with people wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Aside from the high monks’ Zen quarters, the sutra depository, and the tranquil stupa forest, even the Yunshui Hall had been temporarily converted into living quarters. As Ye Fusheng and the others walked from the front hall to the rear courtyard, they saw countless martial artists bustling about. Passing by the grand plaza, they heard a raucous commotion; a glance revealed that people were already fighting and exchanging blows.

The old monk seemed completely unfazed, as did everyone else around them. Duanheng frowned but remained silent, while Xuan Su asked, “The assembly hasn’t even begun yet they are already fighting. Isn’t this rather inappropriate?”

The old monk chanted “Amitabha” and explained, “The Abbot has said, ‘Rights, wrongs, gratitudes, and grudges all have their own destiny. We are people outside the mortal realm and have no right to interfere.’ Moreover, the martial arts assembly does not forbid fighting. As long as lives are not taken and underhanded tactics are not used, Wuxiang Temple will not intervene.”

Ye Fusheng calmly placed a hand on Xuan Su’s arm, while tightly grasping Xie Li’s hand with the other, and smiled. “Speaking of which, I must ask the Master about something… Has Miss Xue of the Duanshui Manor arrived to participate in this assembly?”

Xie Li’s hand stiffened, and he immediately looked up at the old monk, his eyes brimming with hope.

The old monk looked down, noticing the child, and asked, “This is…”

“…I am Xie Li. My father is Xie Wuyi, the Master of the Duanshui Manor.” This time, Xie Li didn’t let Ye Fusheng speak for him, answering personally.

The overnight destruction of the Duanshui  Manor had happened barely two months ago. Many in the Jianghu still vividly remembered the raging fire that burned half the sky over Guyang City. Xie Min’s world-shocking blade strike was etched deep into the hearts of all who witnessed it, impossible to forget even now.

Although the fierce tiger was dead, its lingering prestige remained. Whether intimidated by Xie Wuyi’s posthumous reputation or constrained by the face of Jianghu camaraderie, the orthodox martial sects had to show some preferential treatment to the Duanshui orphan to demonstrate their own benevolence and righteousness.

Hearing this, the old monk immediately showed respect, pressing his palms together. “So it is the Young Manor Master Xie. Benefactor Xue entered the mountain gates three days ago. Because she is a female guest, she was settled in the Luhua Courtyard. If the Young Manor Master wishes to see her, this poor monk will arrange for someone to lead the way.”

His eyes slightly red, Xie Li first looked at Ye Fusheng. Even without a single word, Ye Fusheng knew his heart was already flying like an arrow.

Ye Fusheng had brought this up precisely as an excuse to break away from the group and investigate elsewhere, so naturally he had no reason to refuse. Exchanging a glance with Duanheng, he said, “Then I will trouble the Master.”

The old monk called over a young novice monk about Xie Li’s age, instructing him to lead Ye Fusheng and Xie Li to the Luhua Courtyard, while he continued leading the Taishang Palace group toward the left wing. Before leaving, Xuan Su cast a glance at Ye Fusheng, who simply offered a nod—a signal to remain calm and observe how things developed.

The young novice was quite young, possessing a bit more liveliness than the other monks. When Ye Fusheng handed him a piece of osmanthus candy, his round little face bloomed into a wide smile.

Leading Xie Li and following behind the novice, Ye Fusheng asked, “Little Master, how many people have arrived at the temple so far?”

The young novice thought carefully, counting on his fingers a few times, and said, “Including the Taishang Palace, the people from the eight major sects have all arrived, along with benefactors from other gangs… roughly over two thousand people.”

Xie Li inhaled sharply. At his young age, he hadn’t seen much of the world. The Seizing-Blade Challenge at the Duanshui Manor had only gathered nearly a thousand people, which he had already considered a massive spectacle.

Ye Fusheng narrowed his eyes. Seeing that the young novice still retained his childlike innocence and hadn’t yet been rigidly bound by scriptures and precepts, he decided to fish for information. He smiled and said, “It’s been a long time since I set foot in the Jianghu. I didn’t expect such a grand gathering this time; it truly broadens my horizons… However, with so many people comes much trouble, and since I’m bringing a child, I must be careful lest opening our eyes turns into having our skulls cracked open. That would certainly cause trouble for the Masters.”

They happened to be passing along a secluded path with no idle people around. Hearing this, and for the sake of the osmanthus candy, the young novice pressed his palms together and said, “Benefactor, the two front and rear courtyards, as well as the martial arts plaza, are crowded and chaotic. On normal days… if you need anything, just give your orders.”

His words were cryptic, but Xie Li caught a whiff of danger. His back immediately straightened, and like a small beast sensing a trap, his muscles and bones instinctively tensed.

Ye Fusheng’s cool hand rested on his head, giving it a reassuring rub. Looking at the completely serious young novice, he said, “Thank you for the guidance, Little Master. Speaking of which, my shifu once had a friendship with Zen Master Sekong. This time, I was entrusted to pass on greetings to the Zen Master. How should I go about requesting an audience?”

The young novice replied, “This little monk entered the sect late. I only know that Martial Granduncle Sekong began practicing the vow of silence five years ago, and later moved into the Du’e Cave for closed-door meditation to comprehend Zen. I have never met him. If the Benefactor wishes to see him, it is best to speak with the Abbot first.”

Turning these words over in his mind, Ye Fusheng knew when to stop and said no more.

The young novice led them to the entrance of the Luhua Courtyard. Because it housed female guests, he didn’t enter, merely asking a nun sweeping near the door to go in and announce their arrival. Shortly after, Xue Chanyi came out.

Having not seen her for a while, the sixteen-year-old girl had grown considerably thinner. She had discarded all superfluous hairpins and jewelry, dressing in simple, plain clothes. Her raven hair was tied back with a black silk ribbon into a long braid down her back. Aside from the crimson Chixue silk at her waist, she wore no bright colors, looking sharp, clean, and carrying an air of maturity.

She must have rushed out the moment she received the news, as the Chixue silk at her waist was tied somewhat haphazardly. Spotting Ye Fusheng and Xie Li, she paused briefly at the threshold before striding over quickly.

“A-Li!” Xue Chanyi walked up to them, her gaze fixed entirely on Xie Li. A trembling hand reached out to stroke his cheek, her voice quivering. “You… you’ve lost weight.”

Pausing, she turned to look at Ye Fusheng. Her tone was fierce, but her eyes were red. “How have you been taking care of A-Li? Look at you, looking like a ghost! Are you trying to cut your life short?!”

Xue Chanyi’s words were harsh, but she had noticed that Ye Fusheng’s complexion was truly dreadful and was genuinely worried that something had happened to him. Ye Fusheng naturally understood she was offering a well-intentioned reminder, but the thought of the Youmeng poison pricked his heart like a thorn. Avoiding the topic, he simply pushed Xie Li forward and feigned a plea for mercy. “Eldest Miss, I brought your little brother back to you completely whole. You can’t start handing out punishments before rewarding my merits!”

Xue Chanyi easily caught his evasive brush-off. She glared, about to press the issue, but was stopped when Xie Li tugged her sleeve and shook it slightly. “Xue-jie, I missed you.”

With those words, Xue Chanyi couldn’t possibly throw a fit. The Luhua Courtyard was no place to talk, so the three bid farewell to the young novice and the nun and walked toward a secluded bamboo grove nearby, talking as they went.

Ye Fusheng’s impression of Xue Chanyi still lingered from their time in Guyang City. Although both were young misses, Xue Chanyi was far more mature than Qin Lanshang. At such a young age, she had managed portions of the Duanshui Manor’s affairs while it weathered storms. She was a girl who was meticulous beneath a rough exterior, balancing firmness with flexibility, possessing considerable administrative capability. Despite her slightly fiery temper, she was ultimately steady and sensible, though her handling of worldly affairs was still somewhat immature, requiring time and storms to sculpt her.

Following the battle in Guyang City, the Duanshui Manor—once renowned for holding the “Number One Blade Under Heaven”—was reduced to ruined walls and broken rubble. Only Xue Chanyi and Xie Li remained; one was merely a half-grown child, the other barely a young girl in the prime of her youth.

Xie Wuyi was dead, but the spine of the Duanshui  Manor remained unbroken. When Xue Chanyi returned to Mingzhou to manage the Xie family’s remaining foundations, she had to deal with martial artists coming either to offer help or to test the waters. Whatever sharp edges she had were gradually smoothed out; she concealed her overbearing arrogance, learning completely on her own how to be humble in public while building momentum behind the scenes.

For this martial arts assembly, Xue Chanyi could have stayed peacefully in Mingzhou and avoided the muddy waters, but she had to plan for Xie Li’s future.

If they didn’t show their faces this time, the Jianghu would likely assume the Duanshui Manor was completely wiped out, viewing two surviving children as insignificant. Subsequent coldness and neglect would be a given, and Xie Li’s future path in the Jianghu would inevitably face criticism.

Because of this, Xue Chanyi temporarily entrusted all her affairs to her confidants, brought along a few capable fighters, and came to Wenchang Mountain. She had no intention of fighting for fame; she merely wanted to prove that the Duanshui Manor still had people standing.

Fortunately, she had come, for she learned exactly what it meant when they say “once the person leaves, the tea grows cold.”

Over the past three days, Xue Chanyi had been exposed to the diverse scrutiny of all walks of life. Listening to hypocritical comforts and genuine praise, she deflected kicks while she was down and guarded against hidden needles wrapped in silk. Her heart burned as if roasting on an open fire, but she endured it all. Yet she never expected to see Xie Li here.

“You shouldn’t have come.” Ensuring no one was around, Xue Chanyi frowned deeply and looked at Ye Fusheng. “I know your martial arts are excellent, and you aren’t blind or crippled right now. But the Wuxiang Temple of today is not a place where two fists and four hands can guarantee peace.”

Ye Fusheng raised an eyebrow. “Where do you start with that?”

Xue Chanyi narrowed her eyes. “There are ‘ghosts’ in this temple.”